Jailers accused of false records over inmate death

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July 29, 2011 8:18:46 AM PDT

LAREDO, TX --

Prosecutors say two guards at a South Texas jail have been accused of falsifying records after an inmate committed suicide. Webb County jailers Esteban Paez Sr. and Juan Enrique Villarreal surrendered Thursday on charges of tampering with government records. Both are free on $10,000 bond. Sheriff Martin Cuellar has recommended the pair be fired.

The sheriff's office says Villarreal on July 10 found Charles Gabriel Johnson hanging by an electric cord. Johnson hours earlier was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence.

The complaint says Paez, who was the watch commander, told Villarreal to fill out the log sheet up until the time Johnson was found dead.

Jail officials did not have information on attorneys for Paez and Villarreal. Prosecutors did not immediately return a message Friday.